Welcome

Welcome to the Office of International Programs (OIP). The Office of International
Programs was created to build and international “footprint” for SPSU, which is being
done through various types of partnerships with foreign institutions as well as by
facilitating development of different forms of study abroad opportunities for SPSU
students.

If you are an international student from one of our partner universities, we will
be glad to assist you in admissions and other matters. If you are a prospective international
student, but not from a partner university, we invite you to visit this website to
see something of the life of international students at SPSU. However, for admissions
questions, you will need to contact the offices of undergraduate admissions or graduate
students directly.

SPSU located 20 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta in the City of Marietta. The
OIP is the primary clearing house for all on- and off- campus international education
activities, and works with various academic and administrative units of the university
to:

Integrate global perspectives within every academic program and educational service
of the university.

Develop meaningful and appropriate international partnerships with universities and
other institutions around the world.

Recruit Students and promote their participation in study abroad programs.

Cooperate with the area chambers of commerce to provide services related to the international
economic development of communities in Atlanta's northwestern crescent.

Atlanta, with a metro-area population of 5.3 million, is the economic engine of the
Southeastern United States. The city has a global image as an international center
with a strategic location, diverse economy, competitive business climate and superior
quality of life. It is home to a dozen multinational Fortune 500 corporations and
more than 2,000 international companies. Currently 65 countries are represented in
Atlanta with a consulate or trade office. In terms of talent, the metro region is
a top higher-education area with several world-class universities and a significant
young and educated workforce. Atlanta prides itself on its ethnic diversity, including
newcomers from throughout the United States, Latin American, Europe, Africa and all
parts of Asia. The city and the surrounding areas are also well known for their art,
culture, and public parks. Atlanta International Airport is the world's busiest,
serving 90 international destinations in 55 countries.

The nearby city of Marietta (population 60,000), home to Southern Polytechnic State
University, is a vibrant community that offers world-class amenities while preserving
its important ties to the past. Situated just 20 minutes northwest of downtown Atlanta,
it is a unique blend of small-town values and big-city opportunities so that residents
can work, play, and enjoy this suburban area or the additional opportunities Atlanta
has to offer. From Civil War battlefields to amusement parks, Marietta hosts a number
of attractions geared to satisfy a multitude of interests.